VIDEO: Teacher in Hot Water Over ‘Jews Are Evil’ Assignment

A high school English teacher in New York left a community in shock over a controversial assignment.

Read more

VIDEO: Freed NY Inmate Suffers Heart Attack

David Ranta, 58, was rushed to a New York hospital Friday night less than two days after being freed from prison.

Read more

Exclusive: Meet The Iron Man of Persian Community Shahbod Noori

“One Man With Courage Make A Majority” Shahbod Noori is the Publisher and President of Tehran International Weekly Magazine and the Founder & Chief Executive Officer of the Persian Relief Center.

Shahbod Noori was born on March 10, 1964, in Iran, Tehran. He became a driving instructor there at age 17. When the regime changed in Iran, he fled from his country through the mountains to Pakistan. There he continued to work as a driver, and also as a bodyguard for celebrities.

After one year in Karachi, Pakistan, Shahbod Noori moved to Vienna, Austria. He worked for the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society (HIAS) as a driver and security guard for the Jewish Synagogue. In 1986 he moved to New York and after six months, decided to head for the Golden State of California.

In Los Angeles, Shahbod Noori started his own driving school, Foojan Driving School. At the same time, for fun and because he loves Friday nights, he began creating and promoting Friday Night-only nightclubs at famous locations around the Los Angeles area. They included Rendezvous on Club Yes in West LA; Spanky on Paradise Night Club in Century City; Club Lido in Tarzana; and Club Rio in Encino.

Shahbod Noori is the Founder & Chief Executive Officer of the Persian Relief Center, a non-profit organization founded in 2008 to assist low-income or no-income families. Shahbod Noori is an entrepreneur with many skills. When he is not working on his Tehran International Weekly Magazine, he is working at his Super California Deli & Market (located at 20050 Vanowen St #C in Canoga Park, C). Super California Deli & Market has been serving the San Fernando Valley Persian community since 2009. In 2011 he opened California Kabob Restaurant (located at 20050 Vanowen St #B in Canoga Park, CA).


Shahbod Noori has put together 11 successful charity concerts with more than 3000 people for the Persian Relief Center. He has raised money and helped several dozens of people to keep roofs over their heads, go to school, find jobs, and has even sheltered them in his home for many months. Shahbod Noori promoted nine Persian festivals, which drew from 8,000 to 12,000 people, at sites including Mehregan on Hollywood Park Casino, Woodley Park, and Pierce College. He produced six Persian New Year’s festivals with more than 25,000 people in attendance on Balboa Lake Park in San Fernando Valley area.

Shahbod Noori is also the Founder & Executive Director of Tehran International Weekly Magazine, one of the leading Persian-Language magazines in the United States and around the World since 1996. In 2003, Shahbod Noori Started his recording company, Tehran Records, and has produced and distributed the albums from the top Persian singers. 

During his entrepreneur and publishing careers, Shahbod Noori has met and worked with powerful politicians, newsmakers and shakers such as former President Bill Clinton, Hillary Rodham Clinton, LA District Attorney Gil Garcetti, Former Mayor of Los Angeles Richard Riordan, City of Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Sheriff Lee Baca, and Zev Yaroslavsky from Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, among many others.

(Please click on photos to view them regular size)

He started his publishing company in 1989 with The Original Bazaar Weekly, the first free classified and advertising paper among Iranians residing in Southern California. Besides being a publisher, Shahbod Noori has always shown great concern for social issues within the Iranian community.

Both as a journalist and publisher, Shahbod Noori not only tries to be a true voice of Iranians in Southern California and around the globe, but also helps many in the community at times of despair and hardship. His passion for social justice and helping the most vulnerable women and children in society led him to found The Persian Relief Center.

For all his contributions for the betterment of society, in particular the Persian community, Shahbod Noori has received awards from the City of Los Angeles, and a Citizen award from the Los Angeles Police Department. Even the Persian community of which he is such a vital player has recognized his work and contribution by awarding him the Persian Media Award. Shahbod Noori is a recipient of the Charity Award and is Member of Who’s Who.

(Please click on photos to view them regular size)

Shahbod Noori travels all over the word and had visited many countries. Shahbod Noori has wide ranging interests, hobbies and activities. He is an accomplished photographer. Shahbod Noori is a professional Persian chef. Shahbod Noori is a licensed security guard. Shahbod Noori is also a licensed massage therapist: he has healing hands in meditation and pain management. Shahbod Noori is an Entertainment Sponsor and coach of many Persian models, actors and singers. Shahbod Noori loves to watch movies, viewing one movie per night before he goes to sleep.

Shahbod Noori is known as the Iron man, sometime working more than 12 hours a day. He is like a respected godfather of the Persian community because those who are in trouble or need assistance know they can go to him for advice and help.

About Tehran International Weekly Magazine: Tehran International Weekly Magazine is the leading Persian-Language weekly magazine in the United States and around the world.

Mr. Shahbod Noori is the Founder and Executive Director of the publishing company. In 1989 he published the first 24- page Original Bazaar Weekly.

The Original Bazaar Weekly was the first free classified and a display advertising paper published for the Iranian community in Southern California.

After eight years, the Original Bazaar Weekly was the most popular free classified advertising paper among Iranians residing in Southern California. However, this great success was just the beginning.

In 1996, Mr. Shahbod Noori published Tehran International Weekly Magazine, which covers world news, entertainment, art, sports, cultural & social events, politics, etc., by utilizing the talents of the most famous writers from within the Iranian community.

In 2000, Shahbod Noori, for the first time in the Iranian community, released 108 pages of Tehran Magazine online at www.tehranmagazine.com. The on-line version of the magazine is free for people to read or print in PDF format, and is updated weekly with a one-month lag-behind.

In 2013, after 17 years, Tehran International Weekly Magazine has become one of the most popular and powerful Iranian magazines in the United States and around the world. Although it mainly focuses on California, the magazine covers the United States, Canada, Europe, Asia, Australia and Middle East, as well.

Photos credit to: Shahbod Noori private archive collections, Travis Jourdain/Five Minute Photos and Gisele Rebeiro/PartyBy5.com

Editor’s Note: We want to thank and congratulate Mr. Shahbod Noori for all his contributions to the community and accomplishments. We want to wish him the best and we need more strong people like him that helps and cares about the community. We are so proud and happy to featured him in our pages.

Author Lourdes Duque Baron Wins Award for “Scripted In Heaven” at MoneyCytec Achiever Awards Night 2013 in New York

On Thursday, February 28, 2013 The National Association of Medical Business Leaders in collaboration with Moneycytec held their 1st Semi Annual Achiever’s Night Awards at Antun’s Restaurant located 96-43 Springfield Boulevard in Queens Village, New York 11429 from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Event ticket cost was $85

(Please click on the photos to view regular)

The Achiever’s Night Dinner Awards is a day to remember the recognition of outstanding leaders in their respective industry. Commissioner James W. Reed presented a citation to the event producers. The Achievers night awards was produced by Lorenda Pedron aka Lowella Pedron.

Here is the list of all the award winners:

Lourdes Duque Baron – Author, Publication “Scripted In Heaven”
Henedina Sy – Nursing
Silver Cord Consultant Corp. – Consulting
Nemsy Duran – Nursing
Akia Blandon – Nursing
Dr. Raji Ayinla – Pulmonary Medicine
Dr. Prospere Remy – Gastroenterology
Dr. Thomas Pattugalan – Internal Medicine
Dr. Arnil Neri – Chiropractor
Carina De Luna Ibarrola – Nursing
Akia Blandon – Nursing
Linda Rufo – Fine Art
Phyllis Thomas – Healthcare
James W. Reed – Community Service
Atty. Karin Anderson – Law
Chester Jay Tolentino – Physical Therapy
Mikey Sosa Cabunoc – Future Achiever Award (Youth)
Carmen Meliton – Nursing Compliance
Mirielle Bastien – Nursing Compliance
Mary Christine Santiago – Education
Jenelyn Faustino – Outstanding Overseas Worker

Proceeds of the event will go to the building of a nursing home for healthcare workers.


About Moneycytec Achiever’s Night Awards: Is to give recognition to outstanding citizens is truly an invaluable initiative towards the development of a society. By giving recognition to ordinary citizens who do their job extra-ordinarily, they nurture the spirit of hope and foster important virtues such as civic-consciousness, hard-work, excellence and self- improvement. From a governmental perspective, the National Association of Medical and Business Leaders and the MoneyCytec are genuine partners in building a community of productive and responsible citizens. For more information visit http://moneylog.ning.com/

About Author Lourdes Duque Baron:
Lourdes (Lou) Duque Baron: Lou Baron is a community leader, international published book author of Scripted in Heaven, beauty queen (3rd runner-up for Mrs. Asia USA 2011 representing the Philippines), producer, president of Celestial Productions and founder/president of The Baron Publishing House Corporation. On January 10, 2013 she was nominated for The Sidney Hillman Foundation Award for her book “Scriped In Heaven” On February 12, 2013 she was nominated for the 2013 EOTM Award for her published book “Scripted In Heaven” in the category of Outstanding Literary(Inspirational, True Story, Biography). Lourdes Duque Baron is the wife of Dr. Robinson V. Baron. For more information visit her IMDB at http://www.imdb.me/lourdesduquebaron

About Scripted In Heaven:
Scripted in Heaven follows the journey of Dr. Robinson V. Baron and his physical and metaphysical healing. As a stubborn surgeon, he ignores a cryptic warning from an old lady about a supposedly imminent complication with his health. The struggles that follow take him to journey of spiritual renewal, which leads him to rediscover his true faith and his true love. He seeks for the divine guidance of Padre Pio da Pietrelcina while trials and tribulations test him and his family. His devotion grew, even causing him to embark on a punishing pilgrimage to San Giovanni Rotondo in Italy, despite his fragile health.His mystical metamorphosis is a story of courage, sacrifice, and triumph. It inspires the reader to reflect on his won weakness and makes him long for purpose and truth in his mortal life. To purchase your copy of this book and/or to attend the next book signing please visit http://www.scriptedinheaven.com/ for more information.

Photos credit to: Moneycytec
Source: Moneycytec

‘Hurricane Sandy: Coming Together’ Generates Nearly $23 Million

Benefit Telethon Generates Record Volume of Individual Donations For Hurricane Sandy Victims.

NEW YORK, November 3, 2012 – The American Red Cross and NBCUniversal announced today that “Hurricane Sandy: Coming Together,” a live, one-hour benefit telethon, generated nearly $23 million in support of victims impacted by Hurricane Sandy. A record number of individual donations by phone, text and online were accepted by the American Red Cross during the 8:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m. time period beginning on Friday, November 2, 2012. The volume of website and phone traffic exceeded previous benefit telethons in support of the American Red Cross over the last five years.

“We are incredibly grateful and humbled by this outpouring of support for those who are suffering as a result of Superstorm Sandy,” said American Red Cross Chief Marketing Officer Peggy Dyer. “Our preliminary results of nearly $23 million raised are an extraordinary example of how the American people pull together in times of disaster. Their generous donations will go directly to those in need, and we urge the public to continue to give. We also thank the dedicated and talented team at NBCUniversal for the millions of people they have helped through this telethon.”

Hosted by NBC “Today” anchor Matt Lauer, the live telethon featured performances by Christina Aguilera (NBC’s “The Voice”), Mary J. Blige, Jon Bon Jovi, Billy Joel, Joe Perry, Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, Sting and Steven Tyler as well as appearances by Kevin Bacon, Jimmy Fallon (NBC’s “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon”), Tina Fey, Whoopi Goldberg, Jon Stewart and NBC News’ Brian Williams.

Performances included: Jimmy Fallon with Steven Tyler and Bruce Springsteen on vocals and Billy Joel on piano for a rendition of “Under the Boardwalk;” Christina Aguilera of “Beautiful;” Jon Bon Jovi of a medley of “Who Says You Can’t Go Home” and “Living on a Prayer;” Billy Joel of “Miami 2017;” Mary J. Blige of “Living Proof;” Sting of “Message in a Bottle;” Steven Tyler and Joe Perry of “Dream On;” Bruce Springsteen of “Land of Hope and Dreams.”

“Hurricane Sandy: Coming Together” will be available online through the weekend across NBCUniversal digital properties including NBC.com, g4tv.com and nbcnews.com as well as on Xfinity.com/tv and Hulu. Comcast cable markets are also offering the telethon on Xfinity On Demand throughout the weekend. The telethon is also available on demand from over 40 cable, satellite and telco operators including AT&T, Cox Communications, DIRECTV, Time Warner Cable and Verizon FiOS, among others.

The benefit telethon was broadcast Friday, November 2, 8:00 – 9:00 p.m. ET live from the New York studios of NBC at 30 Rockefeller Plaza across the NBCUniversal networks including: NBC, Bravo, CNBC, E!, G4, MSNBC, NBC Sports Network, Style, Syfy and USA as well as HBO, Discovery’s Fit & Health and Velocity networks, The Weather Channel and Wealth TV. The NBC Owned and some affiliate television stations live-streamed the telethon on their websites.

Comcast’s xfinity.com/TV, Hulu and more than 100 Gannett-owned websites, including usatoday.com, live streamed the telethon, along with multiple NBCUniversal digital properties, including: NBC.com, Fandango, iVillage, g4tv.com, nbcnews.com and weather.com.

Clear Channel radio stations, along with a number of local radio stations from across the Tri-State area, simulcast coverage of the event.

The American Red Cross response to Sandy is very large and will be very costly, affecting a massive area spanning much of the eastern half of the country. Financial donations help the American Red Cross provide shelter, food, emotional support and other assistance to those affected by disasters like Hurricane Sandy. To donate, people can visit www.redcross.org, call 1-800-HELPNOW or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visitredcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.

Source: redcross.org, NBCUniversal

Photos credit to: Heidi Gutman/NBC

Unemployed Americans will not Consider Working for Companies with Tarnished Corporate Images

CR Magazine & AllegisTalent2 survey reveals that seventy-five percent of Americans would choose to remain unemployed.
NEW YORK, Sept. 18, 2012 – Corporate Responsibility (CR) Magazine, in conjunction with Allegis Talent2, today announced the findings of the publication’s first corporate reputation survey which found that 75 percent of Americans would not take a job with a company that had a bad reputation, even if they were unemployed.

In advance of its annual COMMIT!Forum, on October 2-3, 2012 at Cipriani Wall Street in New York City,CR Magazine commissioned a poll of over 1,000 employed and unemployed Americans to gain insights into how both corporate reputation and transparency can impact job decisions.

“The results of the new survey underscore American’s desire to align themselves with organizations that do more for society than increase their bottom-line.  Even during a time when Americans face many fiscal challenges, most people would rather continue their search for employment than work for a company that has questionable business practices or ethics,” said Elliot Clark, CEO of Corporate Responsibility Magazine, which hosts the Forum. “The survey results demonstrate that there is a cost of bad business behavior, which significantly affects the ability to attract and retain people.  At the COMMIT!Forum, we bring together companies to explore best practices and examine the costs of bad behavior and the endless opportunities that result from ethical business practices.”

The findings also revealed that of the people surveyed that were currently employed, 58 percent would take a job with a company that had a bad reputation if they were offered more money. However, on average, these individuals would only consider the job if offered double their current salary.

In contrast, the vast majority, 87 percent, would consider leaving their current jobs if offered another role with a company that had an excellent corporate reputation. In fact, most people would only require a 1-10 percent salary increase to consider such a move.

“A positive corporate reputation is extremely high on the list of must-haves for the American workforce, especially as they examine career paths or future employment opportunities,” said Randolph Gulian, Executive Vice President/General Manager, AllegisTalent2.  “Today’s chief executives at companies across the globe, regardless of size, continue to put more energy and resources behind the improvement of their corporate responsibility and sustainability programs. More than ever, they understand that these efforts trickle down to sales, save money and improve asset values.”

For more information on The COMMIT!Forum, please visit www.commitforum.com.

For more information on Allegis Talent2, please visit www.allegistalent2.com.

Methodology
This report presents the findings of a telephone survey conducted among two national probability samples, which, when combined, consists of 1,032 adults, 524 men and 508 women, 18 years of age and older, living in the continental United States.  Interviewing for this CARAVAN® Survey was completed onSeptember 6-9, 2012.  682 interviews were conducted from the landline sample and 350 interviews from the cell phone sample.

About CR Magazine:
CR Magazine is the voice of the corporate responsibility profession covering case studies, best practices, and trends in the five primary segments of the CR profession: a) governance, risk, compliance, b) environmental sustainability c) corporate social responsibility, d) philanthropy, and e) workforce/diversity.www.thecro.com

About the COMMIT!Forum:
The COMMIT!Forum, calls people to commit to changing the world. How? By inspiring, educating, and engaging them in ways that prepare them to make the commitments necessary to change themselves and their organizations. The path to COMMIT, which began on April 17th at the New York Stock Exchange with the announcement of CR Magazine’s 13th Annual 100 Best Corporate Citizens, culminatesOctober 2-3 in New York City at the Forum and continues well beyond through the commitments people make there.  http://www.commitforum.com/

About AllegisTalent2:
Allegis Group Services and Talent2 formed a strategic partnership in 2010 to form AllegisTalent2. With Allegis’s significant expertise and structure in the Americas and India, Talent2′s significant expertise and structure in the APAC region, and a combined footprint across the EMEA region, this alliance provides AllegisTalent2 with a comprehensive global RPO capability.

Source: prnewswire.com & COMMIT!Forum
Graphic credit to: COMMIT!Forum

Editor’s Note: What do you think about their results. It’s all about office politics. Here we think it have to be a mutual benefit agreement between the employer and the employee.

Donald J. Trump, named late-night talk show host Arsenio Hall over Clay Aiken as the next Celebrity Apprentice on NBC

On Monday, May 21, 2012 NBC Entertainment Publicity announced that on Sunday, May 20, 2012 – Host and Executive Producer, Donald J. Trump, named legendary late-night talk show host Arsenio Hall as the next Celebrity Apprentice in tonight’s live season finale, concluding a controversial and closely watched fifth season of “The Celebrity Apprentice” (Sunday, 9-11pm ET.) Hall beat pop star Clay Aiken in the exciting finale held at the Museum of Natural History in New York City, which was followed by a party at the museum sponsored by Walgreens and Crystal Light.

In addition to the celebrated boardroom showdown, the finale revealed that Hall’s designated charity will receive the $250,000 prize, which will be added to the show’s total charity earnings for the season of $1,903,406. Hall raised a total of $522,100 for the Magic Johnson Foundation, while Aiken raised a total of $361,500 for The National Inclusion Project.

“Arsenio Hall clearly demonstrated that he has what it takes to be a winner,” said Mr. Trump. “As the new Celebrity Apprentice, he represents all the qualities necessary to follow through and come out on top with very significant winnings for his charity, Magic Johnson Foundation. Arsenio was smart and a good team player. He proved he had a winning strategy to make it through the grueling schedule. I congratulate him on his win—Arsenio’s a star all the way and clearly back on top.” “Allow me to begin by saying, Woof Woof Woof! This has been an amazing experience,” said Hall. “I can’t wait to deliver this $250,000 check to my friend “Erv” (Magic) for The Magic Johnson Foundation – it’s a dream to be able to support the important work they do on a daily basis and I am humbled to be able to contribute to their ongoing mission. Working with Mr. Trump and his incredible staff on “The Celebrity Apprentice” has been an honor. And last but never least – I want to congratulate my lil’ brother Clay because tonight WE are both truly winners! Reality’s Batman and Robin! I will always treasure that friendship.”

In the episodes before the finale, Mr. Trump called on last year’s “Celebrity Apprentice” finalists John Rich and Marlee Matlin to interview the four remaining celebrities and help him choose Hall and Aiken as the finalists. Trump then issued the last, and most challenging task – to create, host and sell tickets to a celebrity charity event, featuring a charity awareness ad and a variety show, starring none other than…themselves. Eight celebrity contestants returned to help them and the two finalists had to work together to make sure the show went off without a hitch. With 10 celebrities performing it was the biggest finale event to date.In addition to Walgreens and Crystal Light, this year’s sponsors included Entertainment.com, Farouk Hair Systems, General Motors, Good Sam, Ivanka Trump Collection, Kraft, O-Cedar, Five Star Fragrance and The Mars Company. When the season began on February 12, the women included supermodel Cheryl Tiegs, pop star Debbie Gibson, actress and multi-Grammy winner Tia Carrere, author and reality star Victoria Gotti, comedienne Lisa Lampanelli, former Miss Universe Dayana Mendoza, singer and actress Aubrey O’Day, actress and model Patricia Velásquez, and star of “Real Housewives of New Jersey,” Teresa Giudice. The men included radio host Adam Carolla, the “Incredible Hulk” Lou Ferrigno, magician/comedian Penn Jillette, rock star Dee Snider, actor George Takei, IndyCar legend Michael Andretti, and star of “American Chopper,” Paul Teutul, Sr. Trump advisors included Ivanka Trump, Donald Trump Jr., and Eric Trump as well as longtime Trump Organization employee George Ross.

“The Celebrity Apprentice” is produced by Mark Burnett Productions in association with Trump Productions LLC. Mark Burnett, Donald Trump, Page Feldman, and Nancy Gunn are executive producers. Sadoux Kim, Johnny Petillo, and George Sealey are co-executive producers. For more information please visit NBC.com’s official show site: http://www.nbc.com/the-apprentice you can also follow them on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/celebrityapprentice and on Twitter @ApprenticeNBC Photo credit to: Douglas Gorenstein/NBC Source: NBC Universal, NBC Universal Media Village

SiriusXM Becomes the Official Internet Radio Partner of MLB.com

SiriusXM signs multi-year deal with MLB Advanced Media to stream all Major League Baseball games on SiriusXM App and online

All SiriusXM subscribers will have access to live radio broadcasts of every MLB game on smartphones, mobile devices and online; Games will continue to air on XM satellite radios

Listeners get all regular season games, the All-Star Game and every Postseason game.

On April 5, 2012 Sirius XM Radio announced a multi-year agreement with MLB Advanced Media, L.P. (MLBAM), the interactive media and Internet company of Major League Baseball, to stream live radio broadcasts of every Major League Baseball game on smartphones, mobile devices and online for SiriusXM subscribers nationwide. With this agreement, SiriusXM becomes the Official Internet Radio Partner of MLB.com.

Available immediately, SiriusXM subscribers can listen to live broadcasts of every MLB game through the SiriusXM Internet Radio App and online at siriusxm.com. Listeners get all regular season games, the All-Star Game and every Postseason game. Spring Training games will be available starting next year. Select Spanish-language broadcasts are also available.

MLB games will continue to be available on satellite radios for XM subscribers. Listeners can find channel assignments for games atwww.siriusxm.com/mlbschedule.

“We’re thrilled to be able to deliver every MLB game to all of our SiriusXM subscribers,” said Scott Greenstein, SiriusXM’s President and Chief Content Officer. “Throughout the sport’s history, fans have connected with America’s pastime through radio calls. With those broadcasts now available on SiriusXM Internet Radio, coupled with the satellite radio broadcasts on XM, SiriusXM subscribers across the country have the most extensive audio listening experience with which to follow any MLB team from their cars, homes or anywhere.”

“SiriusXM has been a valuable partner in connecting its subscribers with the tradition of baseball on the radio and this agreement adds an important distribution platform, alongside our own products including Gameday Audio and At Bat, for fans to enjoy listening to the radio broadcasts of Major League Baseball games via the Internet,” said Kenny Gersh, Senior Vice President, Business Development, MLBAM.

Visit www.siriusxm.com/mlbnetworkradio for more info.

About Sirius XM Radio:
Sirius XM Radio is America’s satellite radio company.  SiriusXM broadcasts more than 135 satellite radio channels of commercial-free music, and premier sports, news, talk, entertainment, traffic, weather, and data services to over 21 million subscribers. SiriusXM offers an array of content from many of the biggest names in entertainment, as well as from professional sports leagues, major colleges, and national news and talk providers.

SiriusXM programming is available on more than 800 devices, including pre-installed and after-market radios in cars, trucks, boats and aircraft, smartphones and mobile devices, and consumer electronics products for homes and offices. SiriusXM programming is also available atsiriusxm.com, and on Apple, BlackBerry and Android -powered mobile devices.

SiriusXM has arrangements with every major automaker and its radio products are available for sale at shop.siriusxm.com

Source: Sirius XM Radio, Acquire Media
Graphic credit to: Sirius XM Radio Facebook page

Hideki Kinoshita from New Yorker Wins $50,000 In Examiner.com’s America Inspired Contest

On Wednesday, February 1, 2012 Examiner.com, announced Hideki Kinoshita as the Grand Prize winner of its America Inspired contest. Kinoshita, also known as Kino, has won the $50,000 cash prize award for his extraordinary work and inspiration throughout his community. Running Examiner Kimberly Bogin nominated Kino for the America Inspired contest.

Kino has used his passion for running to answer his calling of giving back. He ran 63 marathons and 10 ultra-marathons, including three 100-mile races and three 24-hour runs – all in the span of 39 months. Kino runs to raise money for charities that have a personal meaning to him, including the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCan), as Kino lost two loved ones to pancreatic cancer, and the World Trade Center Health Program, as he is native New Yorker. So far, Kino has raised $53,000 for these charities and in addition, has donated over $5,000 of his own money. Furthermore, Kino has pledged to raise over$50,000 for charities by running 26 100-mile races in 2013.

“We were incredibly moved to hear about the work and good deeds of so many people across the U.S.,” said Ashish Kapur, COO, Examiner.com.  “Since we opened this contest, we received close to 1,000 nominations from our Examiners, who are in the local communities and were able to surface these unsung heroes in their communities across the country.  The America Inspired contest was a great way for us to honor those who have had a positive influence on their communities without expecting anything in return.”

The competition set out to spotlight people in communities across America who inspire others across five categories including: leadership, sacrifice, overcoming adversity, passion and outstanding youth. Examiner.com contributors (Examiners) nominated almost 1,000 unique individuals from communities across the U.S. who inspire them and other local individuals each day.

The Examiner.com editorial team and advisory board, comprised of respected veteran journalists, chose 25 finalists for the contest. Public voting for America Inspired occurred from January 9, 2012 through January 27, 2012 to select the winner and runners up.

Kinoshita represented the passion category. The majority of Examiner.com readers voted for him over the 24 other finalists – to award him the grand prize. Additionally, four runners-up will each receive $10,000 for their inspirational work through leadership, sacrifice, overcoming adversity, and being an outstanding youth.

•         Cari Meyers, Leadership
•         Anthony D’Urso, Sacrifice
•         Sabrina Cohen, Overcoming Adversity
•         Sean Young, Outstanding Youth

About Examiner.com
Examiner.com is an enterprise-quality publishing and community platform where independent, self-motivated contributors write on topics that matter to them and share content at scale for audiences around the world. A leading content provider with more than 20 million unique monthly visitors, Examiner.com offers high-quality, relevant content from 85,000 contributors. The Examiner.com team and review board curates a rich content library of 2.5 million articles, with 2,300 original pieces of content added every day. Examiner.com is a division of the Clarity Digital Group, LLC, wholly owned by The Anschutz Company, one of the largest sports and entertainment companies in the world.

Source: http://www.prnewswire.com & http://blog.examiner.com/
Photo graphic credit to: http://blog.examiner.com/

Congratulations to Hideki Kinoshita and Running Examiner Kimberly Bogin for this recognition and award.